Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : The Haitian people face a dire humanitarian, security and political crisis – UK statement at the Security Council [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Thank you to SRSG Salvador, Ambassador Biang, Ms Gilles and Prime Minister Holness for their briefings.

I also welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Geneus, Foreign Minister Álvarez and the representative of Barbados at this meeting.

As we’ve heard today, the people of Haiti are facing a dire humanitarian, security and political crisis. Gangs have taken over entire neighbourhoods.

There is killing, burning, kidnapping and severe restriction of movement.

We hear chilling accounts of the widespread use of sexual violence – including collective rape – by armed gangs as a weapon to instil fear into communities.

Nearly half the population are in need of humanitarian assistance.

We need to look seriously at what this Council can do to address the cycle of violence.

The UK recognises the Haitian Government’s calls for urgent international security assistance.

Today’s meeting is an important part of our discussion on the way forward, following the recent visit of the Secretary-General.

In addition to addressing the security crisis, the people of Haiti need political stability.

We welcome the recent CARICOM-hosted stakeholder meeting held in Jamaica.

We hope this regional support will encourage ongoing domestic efforts.

We call on all actors to engage constructively to prepare for the holding of inclusive, free and fair legislative and presidential elections, as soon as the local security situation permits.

To complement regional and national actions, we should ensure BINUH has the right capabilities to deliver on its mandate.

SRSG Salvador and her team are doing vital work in incredibly difficult circumstances.

We look forward to concluding our discussions on BINUH’s mandate renewal in the coming days.

The United Kingdom will continue to support the efforts of the Government of Haiti and the international community to address this pressing crisis.

July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Farming Minister takes part in tractor relay on mental health [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 6 July 2023.

Mark Spencer drives tractor to Parliament to shine a light on mental health in rural communities.

The Farming Minister Mark Spencer has today (6 July 2023) driven a tractor around Parliament Square into the Houses of Parliament to help raise awareness of mental health in farming and rural communities.

The trip around Westminster marks just one segment of the Len’s Light Tractor Relay – which is covering over 2,000 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End – to shine a spotlight on how mental health can affect those in rural communities and help break down stigma surrounding mental health in the farming sector.

Len’s Light was launched in June this year by Lynda and Andy Eadon in memory of their son Len Eadon who took his own life in January 2022, and is working with the Farming Community Network, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) and Papyrus to raise awareness and funds to support farmers’ mental health.

The relay comes as the Farm Safety Foundation recently surveyed 450 UK farmers under the age of 40 and found that 94% of them agreed poor mental health is one of the biggest hidden problems facing the industry today – up from 84% three years ago.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

It’s hugely important that we raise awareness of the mental health impacts in farming and rural communities and I’d like to pay tribute to all those charities and individuals, including Lynda and Andy, who are working tirelessly to bring this to light.

I’m honoured to have played even just a small part in this goal by getting behind the wheel today, and will continue to do all I can to ensure farmers can access the support they need, including through our Future Farming Resilience Fund and ongoing work with charities such as Yellow Wellies.

Andy and Lynda Eadon, Founders of Len’s Light, said:

Len’s Light is a nationwide journey reaching out to everyone in the rural community with the message that no one in the rural community should feel isolated and alone.

Len’s Light Tractor Relay would not have started if we had not reached out for support from Sir Jeremy Wright MP, Mark Spencer MP, Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation, and the NFU team – especially Minette Batters and George Bostock.

With the help of everyone, we will continue to talk about positive mental health in the rural community which hinges around talking, listening and honesty.

Today’s relay builds on other important work to reduce stigma around mental health in farming. Earlier this year, for example, Sam and Emily Stables received Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Points of Light award for their work establishing ‘We Are Farming Minds’, a charity that offers a befriending service and dedicated 24-hour helpline staffed by trained volunteers, and provides funding for farmers to access professional counselling services.

The government is investing at least £2.3 billion of additional funding a year by March 2024 to expand and transform mental health services in England so that two million more people will be able to get the mental health support they need.

Farmers’ mental health and wellbeing are also being prioritised and supported in the government’s Future Farming Resilience Fund, which provides free business support to farmers and land managers in England. This includes support from in-house experts or signposting to external expert services, and the government has worked with the Farm Safety Foundation to provide advice and information on how to identify potential mental health issues and provide tools for addressing them.

The Len’s Light Tractor Relay began at John O’Groats on 20 June, with a specially designed beacon on the front of the tractor lighting up the route. The relay has stopped at livestock markets and machinery depots around the UK to spark conversations around mental health with farmers and others living in rural communities, as well as raising awareness at large agricultural events including the Royal Highland Show. The final leg of the relay will take place at Land’s End on 23 July.

NFU President, Minette Batters, said:

As an industry we’ve got to make greater strides to talk openly about our mental health and wellbeing. We’re encouraging the farming community to start a conversation with a neighbour, friend or family member. It really could make a huge difference.

I applaud the bravery of Andy and Lynda Eadon who have worked so tirelessly to shine a light on achieving positive mental health in farming and rural communities. Having lost their own son, they’re both doing all they can to ensure no one in the countryside feels isolated or alone. The Len’s Light tractor relay is an extraordinary and emotional journey by a couple who are determined to make a difference to mental health and wellbeing. On behalf of the NFU we wish them all the very best on their onward journey.

Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, said:

There are thousands of farmers struggling with long term ill health in the industry and many more with mental health conditions. These people are working every day regardless to ensure we have food on our plates.

Initiatives like this by Lynda and Andy – under the most tragic of circumstances – really do make a difference. We are so grateful to them and admire them for the hard work and pure determination that making this journey through the country will help raise awareness and prevent another farming family going through the worst of tragedies.

Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of the national charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, said:

We would like to say a big thank you to Andy and Lynda Eadon and all those who are supporting their remarkable Len’s Light campaign.

Their event is raising valuable awareness of suicide prevention which in turn will help us to continue giving hope to young people who are struggling with life.

Fundraising and generous donations help to pay for potentially life-saving calls, texts and emails to our confidential HOPELINE247 service, which offers support and advice to young people and anyone who is worried about a young person who may be having thoughts of suicide.

Dr Jude McCann, Chief Executive Officer, The Farming Community Network, said:

Andy and Lynda and the Len’s Light campaign are carrying a vital message of support that is resonating with farmers and people living in rural communities across the UK. None of us should feel alone – we are part of a supportive community that is here to listen, support and help.

No matter what pressures you may be facing, FCN and other farm support charities are here to help people find a positive way forward. FCN volunteers understand farming life and its unique stresses, and can be contacted in confidence 365 days of the year on 03000 111 999 or help@fcn.org.uk.

July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK, France and Germany statement to media following UNSC meeting on Iran meeting [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

The UK, France and Germany (the E3) have given a joint statement to media following a UK-chaired UNSC session on Iran’s implementation of UNSCR 2231.

Today, the Security Council discussed the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2231, particularly Iran’s nuclear activity, missile development and continued weapons proliferation inconsistent with that resolution.

Iran has been in violation of its nuclear commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), endorsed by Resolution 2231, for more than four years and its nuclear programme has escalated to dangerous levels. This is of utmost concern for international peace and security.

Regarding enrichment, the IAEA reports that the total stockpiles of Iran’s enriched uranium now stand at 21 times the amounts permitted under the JCPoA. Iran’s stockpiles of high enriched uranium at 20% and 60% are unprecedented for a state without a nuclear weapons programme. In March, the IAEA reported it had detected uranium particles enriched to 83.7% at Fordow. Enriching to such levels is a very grave development, inconsistent with the JCPoA or even the levels declared to the IAEA.

Regarding R&D, Iran’s activities already have provided Iran with irreversible and significant knowledge gains that the JCPoA sought to limit, as have Iran’s activities on uranium metal in the recent years. For the first time since 2009, Iran also failed to report a change in centrifuge configuration at Fordow to the IAEA.

Iran has no credible civilian justification for its continued escalation. It only brings Iran ever closer to weapons related capabilities. This is an issue of grave concern for the Security Council. At the same time, necessary steps – as committed to by Iran as part of the March 4 Agreement with the IAEA Director General – remain insufficient. They must be pursued in full, without further delay, as requested by the Director General in his latest report.

The Security Council has also today discussed key developments regarding Iran’s missile programme and its destabilising transfers of missiles and drones to state and non-state actors in the region and beyond.

Firstly, Iran continues to develop and improve ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Iran’s defence ministry announced on 25 May it had tested a missile capable of delivering a 1500kg warhead to a range of 2000 km. This is inconsistent with UNSCR 2231. A few days later it unveiled another missile with specification inconsistent with UNSCR 2231. Since its adoption, Iran has never stopped its ballistic missile programme, in disregard for this resolution.

Secondly, Iran endangers the region and the whole international community through its weapons proliferation to non-state actors. We have compelling evidence from repeated interdictions of Iranian weapons in the region that Iran has continued to transfer UNSCR 2231-controlled weapons to non-state actors in the Middle East. These transfers have not been permitted and therefore violate this Security Council resolution.

Finally, Iran has escalated its violations by transferring hundreds of UAVs to Russia since August 2022. Deliveries took place in the knowledge that Russia uses them to target Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. It has thereby knowingly supported Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Neither Russia nor Iran have ever sought authorisation for these transfers, which are therefore a breach of UNSC Resolution 2231 by both states. We condemn Iran’s continued disregard for its obligations under this Resolution, urge it to immediately cease this activity, and strongly caution Iran against any further deliveries or escalation of such violations.

In light of such repeated violations, we encourage the Secretary General to instruct the UN Secretariat to examine and report on the ample evidence of Iran transferring weapons, materials, equipment, goods and technology or related services controlled by UNSCR 2231 as it has done so on several occasions in the past. We would welcome a visit by UN experts to Ukraine as requested by the Government of Ukraine and supported by us and other council members.

We remain determined that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon and must reverse its nuclear escalation. We are deeply concerned that against such dangerous dynamics, key restrictions of UNSC Resolution 2231, particularly on Iran’s ballistic activities and missiles transfers will expire in October. We recall that the restrictions of other relevant UNSC Resolutions will remain fully in place after that date.

We emphasise once again our determination to find a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis, as demonstrated by our consistent efforts in that regard. We urge Iran to immediately de-escalate its ongoing activities. Positive moves are critical to open space for constructive engagement with the international community and for renewed steps towards nuclear diplomacy.

July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : GOV.UK One Login – 1.5 million people already benefiting from reform of government services online [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 6 July 2023.

A new universal login is making public services easier to access online for more than 1.5 million people. The system, allows users to have just one account, one username, one password and one identity check to use Government services.
Building on the lessons from the pandemic, a new system, known as GOV.UK One Login will allow people to access government services more quickly and simply.

New system will mean that people need just one account, one username, one password and one identity check to use Government services such as signing your mortgage deed or requesting a DBS check.

Over 1.5 million users have successfully proved who they are through GOV.UK One Login to access services. The programme will help save over £700 million over the next three years.

A new universal login is making public services easier to access online for more than 1.5 million people, it has been revealed today (Saturday 24 June).

The system, which builds on the lessons of the pandemic, allows users to have just one account, one username, one password and one identity check to use Government services such as signing your mortgage deed or requesting a DBS check, without having to repeatedly provide their information.

There are currently around 191 different ways for people to set up accounts and 44 different sign-in methods, wasting people’s time and costing the taxpayer money as departments have to pay to maintain duplicate login and identity services. Slimming this down into a single platform for logging in and accessing GOV.UK services will save over £700 million as well as people’s time and effort.

Over 100 public services will be using GOV.UK One Login by 2025, covering the vast bulk of all central government services.

Users can choose to use the GOV.UK One Login app, which has been developed and is available for download, to prove their identity when accessing services. The app allows a user to quickly, easily and securely verify their identity, using their smartphone.

GOV.UK One Login has already successfully been used by over 1.5 million users to prove who they are, while the app has now been downloaded two million times.

Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart said:

For millions of people, GOV.UK and online public services are their main daily interaction with the government.

The public rightly expect government services to be fast, simple and easy to use.

That’s why I am pleased that the GOV.UK One Login programme will deliver on that promise, cutting down duplication and providing a single way for people to access public services.

This saves taxpayer time and money, while helping us reduce fraud and provide more efficient and effective services.

The service is being rolled out to all departments, with eight services currently operational:

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): Request a basic DBS check

Department for Business and Trade: Licensing for International Trade and Enterprise (LITE)

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA): Apply for your vehicle operator licence

Social Work England: Register to be a social worker

HM Land Registry: Sign your mortgage deed

Ofqual: Apply to be an advisor

Modern Slavery Unit: Modern slavery statement registry

HMRC Government Gateway, which has adopted the identity checking app early and is offering it to customers setting up Government Gateway credentials, as an alternative way to prove their identity to HMRC’s existing identity verification service.

To add further convenience for users, the GOV.UK One Login will allow users to prove their identity, beyond just using a passport or a driving licence, such as by using a biometric residence permit.

While the new system will make it quicker and easier for those wishing to access government services, traditional face-to-face services will continue, for those who wish to use them. There will also be help for those with low digital skills, through assisted digital and face to face options, giving more people the confidence to use GOV.UK One Login and access services.

GOV.UK One Login is being developed with data security at its heart, with protections in place to ensure user data is secure. It will help to reduce fraud against public services, operating a more secure system, and help to protect users from identity-enabled crime.

Further information on GOV.UK One Login can be found in this blogpost from Natalie Jones.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Iran’s continued nuclear escalation threatens international peace and security – UK statement at the Security Council [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Non-Proliferation.

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and the UN Secretariat for its role supporting implementation of resolution 2231.

I also thank Ambassador Olof Skoog for his briefing and Ambassador Frazier for her briefing and her work as Facilitator.

After months of negotiations, viable texts were tabled last year that provided Iran with the chance to return all parties to the JCPoA.

Iran refused this opportunity and has instead continued its nuclear escalation, threatening international peace and security and demonstrating disregard for resolution 2231.

Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile currently exceeds JCPoA limits by more than 21 times.

Its enrichment capabilities have expanded to over 2,500 powerful advanced centrifuges, suitable for nuclear weapons purposes.

Building this capacity has given Iran irreversible gains in technical knowledge, which the JCPoA sought to limit.

And Iran is launching missiles that could be capable of delivering nuclear weapons and is testing technologies directly applicable to intermediate and intercontinental range ballistic missiles.

There is overwhelming evidence that Iran continues to provide material support to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, supplying UAVs with a range of over 300km.

It does so knowing that Russia uses them to target civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Iran has also continued to supply increasingly complex weapons systems to the Houthis in Yemen in violation of 2231.

This jeopardises regional security and undermines regional stability and prosperity.

Colleagues, the restrictions in resolution 2231 were intended to build confidence in Iran as a responsible international actor.

Transition Day sunsets are due in October and it is clear that the trajectory envisioned back in 2015 has not materialised.

Iran will need to take substantial steps to reverse its escalatory approach if it is to start to rebuild that confidence.

July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK gets new status in global data privacy certification programme [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology on 6 July 2023.

The UK has become the first country in the world to be granted Associate status in the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum.
- UK becomes first country in the world to be granted associate status to Global Cross Border Privacy Rules Forum
- Move unlocks opportunities for closer collaboration on international data flows with key global partners
- UK positioned to help shape practical solutions in building a global data transfers system
The UK has become the first country in the world to be granted Associate status in the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum. The Forum works to support international data transfers between member countries, safeguarding standards on data protection and privacy.

Associate status in the Forum presents the UK with an opportunity to help drive co-operation with member nations including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and Australia on international data flows.

International data transfers and the need to move both customer and company details from one country to another are an inescapable part of modern global business transactions. In 2021, 93% of the UK’s services exports were data-enabled, meaning the trusted flow of data between countries is rapidly becoming an important contributor to economic growth. A practical approach is therefore an important focus for the government, as it works to help shape a global system which can encourage new innovations while ensuring the security of personal data as it moves across borders.

Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, said:

The UK’s association with the Global CBPR Forum is an important step in building a practical and functional system for global data transfers.

The safety and security of personal data as it moves between countries is paramount, so it’s vital that we work with our key international partners to design solutions that work for everyone.

The UK already has high data protection standards in place when it comes to international transfers, and we look forward to sharing our approach on the global stage alongside the CBPR Forum.

The Global CBPR system is a government-backed data privacy certification programme that companies can join to demonstrate compliance with internationally recognised data privacy protections. Many large multinational businesses have already been certified under the framework including Apple, IBM, and Mastercard, and it is one of the very few bodies which supports the secure flow of data across multiple countries, removing barriers and working towards a universal set of data transfer standards.

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has seized the opportunity through the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill to create a new UK data rights regime. The legislation reduces burdens on business, supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, and unlocks new avenues for innovation across science and technology.

In April 2022, the CBPR Forum was expanded beyond the Asia-Pacific region, and the UK is now the first jurisdiction to be accepted as an Associate, a new membership status recently created by the group.

Before the UK’s official involvement was confirmed, in April the UK co-hosted a Forum workshop in London alongside the United States to explore how the CBPR system can be strengthened to work alongside the data privacy regimes of different countries.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £373 million support to put UK exporters at heart of Zanzibar infrastructure upgrades [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

UK exporters are expected to win contracts equivalent to over £100m after UK Export Finance unlocks financing for historic road and airport upgrades across Zanzibar, Tanzania.
- UK Export Finance underwrites €422 million of financing – equivalent to £373 million – for historic upgrades to 103km of Zanzibar’s road network and to Pemba Airport
- UK exporters are expected to win supply contracts equivalent to more than £100 million for these transformational projects
- Infrastructure upgrades set to boost Zanzibar’s island economy, which draws around a quarter of its annual GDP from tourism
UK government backing has enabled a financing package of €422 million – equivalent to £373 million – for transformational infrastructure projects driven by UK exporters across Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The financing was underwritten by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government’s export credit agency, and enables two major projects: a historic upgrade to Pemba Airport – the smaller of two airports on the Zanzibar archipelago – and improvements to 103km of roads which will support connectivity and prosperity across Pemba and Unguja islands.

UKEF worked with Citi to unlock €180 million in loans for the airport upgrade and with Deutsche Bank to enable €242 million in loans for the road improvements. These projects will be completed through strategic joint ventures, with Propav Infraestructuras leading and collaborating with Mecco Ltd.

The terms of UKEF’s backing mean that these major projects are expected to create over £100 million in export opportunities for UK companies. This is a significant achievement in the context of UK exports to the whole of Tanzania, which totaled £275 million last year. This development will be a boost for the UK’s construction sector in particular, supporting this government’s priority of growing the economy.

Nigel Huddleston, Minister for International Trade, said:

Good local infrastructure is key to encouraging businesses to invest and work with local suppliers. This deal will support crucial development across Zanzibar, unlock new opportunities for UK companies in Africa, and grow sectors that will create jobs and boost the economy across our nations.

David Concar, British High Commissioner to Tanzania, said:

I couldn’t be more proud of this partnership. Developing countries need access to affordable infrastructure financing from reliable partners – and that is exactly what this initiative will deliver.

It underscores the UK government’s commitment to working in partnership with Tanzania to support inclusive, sustainable economic development, including on the islands of Zanzibar. Congratulations to UK Export Finance, Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Government of Zanzibar and all other partners to the project for collaborating with such keen purpose to unlock this opportunity.

The works are a milestone in UK support for Commonwealth country Tanzania, improving land transport across Zanzibar and creating new horizons for trade on the archipelago.

Improvements at Pemba Airport will transform the domestic facility into a hub for international flights, which currently can only land on Unguja. By allowing overseas passengers to reach Pemba Island directly, the new project will unlock the economic potential of the second largest island in the Zanzibar archipelago.

The works are expected to substantially increase passenger capacity by extending the runway, adding new terminal buildings, and introducing other new infrastructure including a control tower. This will create opportunities for major new business and foreign investment in Zanzibar, whose vibrant tourism sector already contributes to around a quarter of the islands’ annual income.

The UK-enabled road upgrades across Unguja and Pemba – the archipelago’s two largest islands – will expand three major roads to four lanes each whilst fitting them with street lighting and additional paving. This is expected to reduce congestion whilst improving connectivity and safety.

Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, Minister of Finance and Planning of the United Republic of Tanzania, said:

I would like to emphasize the significant role that signing the loan agreements holds in financing infrastructure projects. These agreements will enable us to address critical infrastructure needs, boost tourism and improve the quality of life for our citizens.

By securing this financing, we can embark on vital infrastructure development that will lay the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Hon. Dr. Saada Mkuya Salum, Minister of State, President’s Office Finance and Planning of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, said:

These loan agreements are not just a transaction, but a strategic step towards the realization of our nation’s goals and aspirations. This financial infusion will empower our government, fostering economic growth and enabling innovative ventures through completion of these two crucial projects.

Cristiano Becker Hees, Financial Structuring and Institutional Relations Director of Propav Infraestructuras, said:

We are excited to be part of these two ambitious projects that will have a significant positive impact. The expansion of Pemba Airport will create an international gateway, generating local employment and boosting regional trade.

Simultaneously, the construction of 103km of roads in Zanzibar will enhance mobility and connectivity, driving economic growth. We take great pride in our involvement, working alongside esteemed British companies to ensure the quality of these projects.

The deal also comes following the introduction last month of the UK’s new post-Brexit Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The Scheme removes or reduces tariffs on UK trade with 65 countries that are home to over 3.3 billion people, including Tanzania. This allows developing countries greater access to the UK market than was possible under previous, EU-led regulatory frameworks.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Interim Director General for Rail Infrastructure Group appointed [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 6 July 2023.

Anit Chandarana announced as DfT’s Rail Infrastructure Group interim Director General.
- Anit Chandarana joins on secondment from Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT)
- will work closely with GBRTT to deliver government’s vision for rail reform
- will begin role in August with more than 18 years of experience in rail industry
The Department for Transport (DfT) is pleased to announce that Great British Railways Transition Team’s lead director, Anit Chandarana, will be joining DfT as Interim Director General for Rail Infrastructure Group.

Anit will work closely in partnership with GBRTT, DfT colleagues and the sector to deliver the government’s vision for rail reform as set out by the Secretary of State in his Bradshaw Address, progress plans for the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR), and ensure the benefits of a guiding mind for the railway are delivered as soon as possible.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government sets new fraud and error target to save £1.3bn [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 6 July 2023.

Target follows Government’s Fraud Plan which sets out bold new measures to fight fraud against the welfare state.
- DWP sets ambitious new target to increase the savings achieved by its counter fraud and error resource.
- This will save more of taxpayers’ money, delivering on the government’s economic priorities to reduce debt and support our public services
The Government has today [Thursday 6 July] set a new target to save at least £1.3 billion in 2023-24 through its dedicated counter fraud and error resource.

This would be a considerable increase on the £1.1billion savings achieved last year, cracking down further on those exploiting the benefits system and stealing from those who most need help.

The details are outlined in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)’s Annual Report and Accounts (ARA), published today.

This is in addition to the latest national statistics that show the rate of overpayments due to fraud and error has fallen by 10% over the last year, as we are determined to go further to eliminate fraud from the system.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said:

Our tightened fraud controls and checks resulted in a significant reduction in fraud and error in the last year and now we are seeing the tide start to turn.

Given that our welfare system exists to provide a strong financial safety net for the most vulnerable, it is imperative we continue to prevent anyone abusing this for their own profit, which is why we’re setting a new target to save £1.3bn in the next year and root out fraud wherever we find it.

Minister responsible for tackling fraud, Tom Pursglove MP, said:

Our teams are working flat out to prevent new fraudulent claims and expose people who have been exploiting the system – with strong results.

But we know we need to go even further, because the fraud landscape is changing, with the tactics used by criminals evolving quickly.

Working towards our ambitious new target over the next year will protect taxpayers’ hard-earned cash and enable us to deliver on the Prime Minister’s priorities to reduce debt and grow the economy.

DWP teams tackling fraud include the Counter-Fraud and Compliance Directorate, which focuses on rooting out fraud and error at all levels, including serious organised crime, and investigates bogus benefit claims.

In addition, the newly developed Targeted Case Reviews team will review millions of Universal Credit claims over the next five years – preventing customers from falling further into debt, identifying changes which result in an underpayment, and fast-tracking suspected cases of fraud for investigation.

This team is also providing intelligence on new and emerging ways to identify and prevent fraud and error entering the welfare system so the Department can further strengthen its defences.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK steps up action to tackle rising threat posed by Iran [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

The Foreign Secretary has announced plans for a new sanctions regime to hold Iran to account for its hostile and destabilising behaviour around the world.
- Foreign Secretary announces plans for a new Iran sanctions regime, which will give the UK greater powers to target decision makers in Iran for hostile activities in the UK and around the world
- new sanctions designations to be announced on individuals and organisations responsible for human rights violations in Iran
- announcements come as the UK drives international condemnation of Iran’s behaviour at the UN Human Rights Council and UN Security Council this week
The Foreign Secretary has today outlined new action to hold Iran to account for the regime’s threats to the UK and our partners, including a new sanctions regime which will give the UK greater powers to target Iran’s key decision makers.

Iran has increased its efforts to kill or kidnap individuals perceived to be enemies of the regime outside of Iran, including in the UK. Since the start of 2022, the UK has responded to more than 15 credible threats to kill or kidnap British or UK-based individuals by the Iranian regime.

The regime has publicly called for the killing or capture of these individuals and in some cases detained and harassed the individual’s families in Iran. The Iranian intelligence services have developed close relationships with organised criminal gangs in UK and across Europe to expand the capability of its networks.

The UK will not tolerate such threats. The Foreign Secretary is announcing today our intention to create a new sanctions regime which will give the UK greater powers to target Iran’s key decision makers and those doing their bidding.

The regime will significantly expand the UK’s sanctions powers by creating new criteria under which individuals and entities can be sanctioned, including:
- the Iranian regime’s activities undermining peace, stability and security in the Middle East and internationally
- the use and spread of weapons or weapons technologies from Iran
- the Iranian regime’s undermining of democracy, respect for the rule of law and good governance
- other hostile activities towards the UK and our partners emanating from the Iranian regime, including threats to our people, property, or security
The announcement comes as the UK drives international condemnation of Iran’s behaviour at the UN this week. Yesterday, the UK co-signed a statement calling out the regime for the significant rise in executions over the last year.

Later today in New York, the UK will lead international opposition to Iran’s weapons proliferation and nuclear escalation at the UN Security Council as part of the UK’s Presidency in July. The UK has handed over extensive evidence to UNSC members demonstrating the Iranian regime continues to send weapons to the Houthis in Yemen and to Russia for use in Ukraine, in violation of UNSC restrictions. The UK and our partners will condemn this malign behaviour in the presence of the Iranian Permanent Representative to the UN, who is anticipated to attend the event.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The Iranian regime is oppressing its own people, exporting bloodshed in Ukraine and the Middle East, and threatening to kill and kidnap on UK soil.

Today the UK has sent a clear message to the regime – we will not tolerate this malign behaviour and we will hold you to account.

Our new sanctions regime will help to ensure there can be no hiding place for those who seek to do us harm.

The UK is also announcing a raft of new sanctions under the FCDO’s existing Iran Human Rights sanctions regime, which enables the designation of individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran.

The list of 13 individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses includes prison governors overseeing torture and inhumane treatment, organisations charged with collecting private information of regime opponents and individuals leading the repression of women through Iran’s compulsory hijab laws. Examples of those now subject to asset freezes and travel bans are:
- Heidar Pasandideh (Governor of Sanandaj prison): has overseen regular torture and abuse within the prison. A prisoner reportedly died in Sanandaj after being severely beaten and denied medical treatment
- IRGC Cyber Defence Command (CDC): the CDC monitors the emails, websites and online activities of regime opponents and sends evidence to other parts of the IRGC to investigate
- The Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution (SCCR): the SCCR set Iran’s policies on cultural and educational matters, including wear of the hijab, which is implemented by the Morality Police who were responsible for beating Mahsa Amini before her death in custody in September 2022
View the full UK Sanctions List.
July 13, 2023